Truce takes effect in J&K

Security forces suspended all combat operations Monday in Jammu and Kashmir in line with the Ramzan ceasefire, hours ahead of commencement of the holy month, but
were on high alert to thwart any attempt by militant groups to carry out violent activities in the state.

The security forces have suspended their operations in line with the announcement made by
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to observe a month-long
ceasefire in the state, official sources in New Delhi said.

The security forces had been asked to stay on high alert
during the ceasefire, defence sources said.

The sources said cordon and search operations against
militants had been stopped and raids would remain suspended
during the holy month.

During the unilateral ceasefire, the security forces have
been directed to stop offensives against militants and
exercise restraint in case of any provocative actions by them.

Union Home Minister L K Advani termed the ceasefire,
rejected by many militant groups, as a "second opportunity"
for Pakistan since last year's Lahore peace process and asked
Islamabad to avail it by stopping cross-border terrorism in
the state.

"What Pakistan can do now is to immediately stop
infiltration by militants and their training in camps as also
supply of weaponry and explosives like RDX to them," he told
reporters in New Delhi.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah asked
militant groups to shun violence and help in restoring peace
in the state.

Conveying his good wishes to the people on the eve of the
month, Abdullah urged them to pray for success of the prime minister's initiative for peace in the state.

Lt Gen H M Khanna, General Officer Commanding of the
Northern Command, had on Saturday announced that instructions
had been issued to all field commanders to suspend combat
operations during Ramzan against "all tanzeems (outfits)
across the board irrespective of their stance, standing and
political leanings."

Field commanders have been instructed to exhibit restrain
and "retaliation action will only be initiated if all other
avenues are closed," he said.